Nehemiah 1:6 - Let your ear now be attentive, and your eyes open, that you may listen to the prayer of your servant, which I pray before you at this time, day and night, for the children of Israel your servants, while I confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned.
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What does "Nehemiah 1:6" mean?
Nehemiah 1:6 is a powerful plea to God, laden with humility, confession, and intercession. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Let your ear now be attentive, and your eyes open..." This is a direct request for God to pay attention. It's not just a mechanical listening, but a plea for God's focused, compassionate, and responsive attention to Nehemiah's prayer. "Eyes open" emphasizes God's active observation and awareness of the situation. Nehemiah wants God to truly see the desperate state of Jerusalem.
"...that you may listen to the prayer of your servant, which I pray before you at this time, day and night..." Nehemiah emphasizes the earnestness and persistence of his prayer. The fact that he prays "day and night" indicates the urgency and burden he feels. He identifies himself as God's "servant," a title of humility and submission.
"...for the children of Israel your servants..." Nehemiah is interceding on behalf of the entire Israelite nation. He recognizes them as God's servants, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
"...while I confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against you..." This is the crucial part - confession. Nehemiah is not pointing fingers at others or making excuses. He acknowledges that the Israelites have sinned against God.
"Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned." Nehemiah doesn't distance himself from the sin. He includes himself and his family in the collective guilt. This is a profound act of personal humility and solidarity with his people. He's not just saying "they sinned," but "we sinned." This demonstrates his understanding of shared responsibility and the consequences of national disobedience.
In summary, the verse reveals:
Nehemiah's desperate plea for God's attention.
His earnest, persistent prayer on behalf of the Israelites.
His humble confession of the sins of the nation, including himself and his family.
His recognition of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, appealing to God's mercy and faithfulness despite their sin.
Significance:
This verse is significant because it exemplifies the proper posture for prayer: humility, confession, and intercession. It reminds us that true repentance involves acknowledging our own role in the problems we face, rather than blaming others. It highlights the power of intercessory prayer, where we stand in the gap for others and plead for God's mercy on their behalf.
Nehemiah 1:6 - Let your ear now be attentive, and your eyes open, that you may listen to the prayer of your servant, which I pray before you at this time, day and night, for the children of Israel your servants, while I confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned.
What does "Nehemiah 1:6" mean?
Nehemiah 1:6 is a powerful plea to God, laden with humility, confession, and intercession. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Let your ear now be attentive, and your eyes open..." This is a direct request for God to pay attention. It's not just a mechanical listening, but a plea for God's focused, compassionate, and responsive attention to Nehemiah's prayer. "Eyes open" emphasizes God's active observation and awareness of the situation. Nehemiah wants God to truly see the desperate state of Jerusalem.
"...that you may listen to the prayer of your servant, which I pray before you at this time, day and night..." Nehemiah emphasizes the earnestness and persistence of his prayer. The fact that he prays "day and night" indicates the urgency and burden he feels. He identifies himself as God's "servant," a title of humility and submission.
"...for the children of Israel your servants..." Nehemiah is interceding on behalf of the entire Israelite nation. He recognizes them as God's servants, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
"...while I confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against you..." This is the crucial part - confession. Nehemiah is not pointing fingers at others or making excuses. He acknowledges that the Israelites have sinned against God.
"Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned." Nehemiah doesn't distance himself from the sin. He includes himself and his family in the collective guilt. This is a profound act of personal humility and solidarity with his people. He's not just saying "they sinned," but "we sinned." This demonstrates his understanding of shared responsibility and the consequences of national disobedience.
In summary, the verse reveals:
Nehemiah's desperate plea for God's attention.
His earnest, persistent prayer on behalf of the Israelites.
His humble confession of the sins of the nation, including himself and his family.
His recognition of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, appealing to God's mercy and faithfulness despite their sin.
Significance:
This verse is significant because it exemplifies the proper posture for prayer: humility, confession, and intercession. It reminds us that true repentance involves acknowledging our own role in the problems we face, rather than blaming others. It highlights the power of intercessory prayer, where we stand in the gap for others and plead for God's mercy on their behalf.